Dear Artist,
On last night's flight from New York, I read Amy Poehler's memoir, "Yes Please." An actress, writer, director and producer, Amy describes the distinction between that thing you do as an artist and your career as one. "Creativity is connected to passion -- that light inside that drives you." On the other hand your career, writes Amy, is simply a series of opportunities and jobs, and should be treated with some ambivalence. "Learn to let go of wanting it. Treat your career like a bad boyfriend."

I'm pleased to report that I am the top earner of rejection letters amongst my peers. My early twenties were spent painting, writing impassioned cover letters and compiling slide packs for galleries of international repute. In theatre, this is called a "cold audition…

This free event is the annual celebration of the arts in the greater Verde Valley and runs from 10 am to 5 pm daily, April 24-26. The tour provides thousands of visitors a unique opportunity to meet the artists and see the studios in the greater Verde Valley. There will be over 50 artists participating, working in a variety of mediums, such as: ceramics, painting, fiber, photography, jewelry, watercolors, and sculpture. This is a self-guided tour allowing visitors the opportunity to meet with artists in their daily work spaces, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the creative process. Please come out and see me, I am at studio #47.Maps and artist information is available on-line now at:http://sedonaartistscoalition.org/openstudios/osmap.html. Printed maps and brochures will be available in a number of Sedona area businesses and hotels by mid-April. If you have further questions, you can contact Mike Upp at mjupp10@gmail.com or 503.789.4437.

My passion is to draw and paint. I have drawn as long as I can remember. I have always been intrigued by faces, whether people or animals. As I have become older, the landscape has become a new challenge. I am excited by color, mood and subject. I strive to reach out to others through my art and share a little piece of my heart. We are all part of a larger community where we can learn from each other to become better artists and ultimately better human beings. Please visit me often, stay a while and share your comments. You may also visit me at my website: http://originalartbymary.com